Defined as, “A Buddhist and Hindu doctrine expressing belief in the sacredness of all living creatures and urging the avoidance of harm and violence,” the ancient concept of the Sanskrit word ahimsa is believed to have originated in India (although the earliest origins are unknown), and has grown widely popular throughout western culture. The most famous proponent of ahimsa known to modern day was the beloved Mahatma Gandhi, who centralized non-violence as the essential pillar of his life’s work, passing this as a primary importance onto other peace activists like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the 14th Dalai Lama.
Although King never met Gandhi, he learned about him through teachings provided at the Crozer Theological Seminary, and was later able to see the power of a non-violent protest carried out in the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, after which he visited India to learn more. He left this visit stating his observations as, “It was a marvelous thing to see the amazing results of a non-violent campaign. The aftermath of hatred and bitterness that usually follows a violent campaign was found nowhere in India…” and later, during a radio broadcast, stated, “…more than ever before, a non-violent campaign would be the most powerful weapon for oppressed people.”
Promoted by Sri Dharma Mittra, another definition is stated to be more directly translated from Sanskrit as:
A = non, Himsa = Killing and/or Violence
Discussed in many talks given by the 14th Dalai Lama, ahimsa is promoted and presented with great sincerity and reverence. When questioned about the practice and his response to violence in recent talks, the Dalai Lama explained that,
“Ahimsa doesn’t fall from the sky; it comes of cultivating a warm heart within.” Asked if there were even situations when ‘ahimsa’ is inappropriate, he replied that,”Ahimsa’ non-violence and non-harm are the proper solution to any human problem.” When a member of the audience asked how to respond to the rape and murder of her friends, he said:
“Ask yourself if getting angry would solve the problem and make it better. Anger and feelings of revenge only disturb your own peace of mind. The 8th century Indian master Shantideva gave advice that I find practical and realistic. ‘If there is a way to solve a problem, there is no need to worry about it and if there is no way to solve a problem, worry won’t help’.”
In addition, New World Encyclopedia explains, “Philosophically, the concept of ahimsa suggests that violence towards others (or animals) entails negative karmic consequences to one’s own being.” A devotion to non-violence and an effort to cause the least harm possible, ahimsa is also the foundation of vegan living, which seeks to adhere to a primary six pillars of philosophy (each following the first letter of its accompanying directive) including:
A *abstinence from animal products
H *harmlessness with reverence for life
I *integrity of thought, word, and deed
M *mastery over oneself
S *service to humanity, nature, and creation
and
A *advancement of understanding and truth
“Teaching individual responsibility for our global well-being”, and getting people to be more conscious, is the heart of ahimsa, and the underlying foundation of many vegan, Buddhist, Jainist, and Hindu-based arenas including such locales as meditation or retreat centers and animal sanctuaries.According to the American Vegan Society website, not only does the principle of ahimsa seek to avoid harming and killing, but also seeks to actively promote positive change in the world. To explain, they’ve followed up with a section on each pillar here:
A: The abstinence from using all animal products ** This is accompanied by a feeling of kinship for all of life and believed to bring positivity both to the abstainer and the animals abstained from as well as other humans.
H: Harmlessness alongside a reverence for life ** Since humans are the most powerful beings on the planet, we are to use this power in an ethical and benevolent manner toward all creatures.
I: Integrity of thought, word, and deed ** Truth, justice, and kindness should be present in all we think, say, and do, and according to ahimsa we should also not condone dishonesty or hypocrisy in our lives. It follows some of the principles of the noble eightfold path of Buddhism including “right thinking” and “right speaking” as well as laying a proper foundation for “right action.”
M: Mastery over yourself ** Ahimsa seeks to reach into the higher self, encouraging enlightenment and understanding as well as self-control.
S: Service to humanity, nature and creation ** The principle is devoted to altruistic service to others to create a better, more harmonious world for everyone.
A: Advancement of understanding and truth ** The application of Gandhi’s accessing of truth according to the “small, still voice” within us against the measure of the Golden Rule, we are to seek the proper understanding of all things in order to bring forward the greatest truth
